Can you "drop" vs. lift an engine out of a 1998 Outback?

[markm...@gmail.com]

I need to replace the head gasket(s) on my 1998 2.5L Outback. The
infamous oil in the antifreeze indicates I have a blown head gasket.
(120K miles).

Since I don't have a hoist, can I elevate the car, and then drop then
engine out the bottom, rather than pull it out the top?

I've done that with old Corvairs, and even a buddy with a Subaru/
Vanagon conversion does the install from the bottom. It looks
possible, but, is it?

Thanks,
Mark

[StephenW]

Not reasonably, rent a cherry picker if you have to.

--
Steve
ASE Master Tech
L1 Diag
Currently residing at a Subaru Shop
4.5 years doing tires and alighnments

<markm...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:0304c1bf-f029-469c...@s19g2000prg.googlegroups.com...

[suburboturbo]

On Feb 29, 12:24 am, "StephenW" <Flatheadst...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Not reasonably, rent  a cherry picker if you have to.
>
> --
> Steve
> ASE Master Tech
> L1 Diag
> Currently residing at a Subaru Shop
> 4.5 years doing tires and alighnments
>

> <markmc97...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>
> news:0304c1bf-f029-469c...@s19g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> >I need to replace the head gasket(s) on my 1998 2.5L Outback. The
> > infamous oil in the antifreeze indicates I have a blown head gasket.
> > (120K miles).
>
> > Since I don't have a hoist, can I elevate the car, and then drop then
> > engine out the bottom, rather than pull it out the top?
>
> > I've done that with old Corvairs, and even a buddy with a Subaru/
> > Vanagon conversion does the install from the bottom. It looks
> > possible, but, is it?
>
> > Thanks,

> > Mark- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Haven't dropped a Subaru engine yet, but in my long experience with
Corvairs, which used a rear-mounted 6 cylinder boxer engine ranging
from 2.4 to 2.7 liter displacement. Removal from below was the way to
go. The transaxle was located forward of the engine, and the
drivetrain essentially a subframe in itself, and we found it very easy
to jack up (and support) the car and remove the entire assembly from
below by simply disconnecting the half-shafts, suspension links,
engine mounts, fuel and electrical connections. An experienced pair
of backyard mechanics could do it in less than 2 hours, and I've known
people to accomplish it solo without spending much more time. Of
course, cars of the 1960's had far less auxiliary equipment and much
better access to the hardware involved. The Subaru drivetrain is far
more complex, but its low mounting may make this approach feasible.
Don't know how much more may be in the way and whether the subframe
that cradles the engine may be a barrier itself, but it's worth
investigating.

[Dano58]

Problem is the crossmember is under the engine. The Corvair and
vanagon have the engine hanging behind the rear axle line. With the
Suabru, it is above and in front of the crossmember, which also
partially supports the engine (at least in my son's Impreza). So, in
order to remove it from the bottom, you'd probably have to remove the
crossmember - which means removing the front suspension. OTOH,
removing it from the top seems to be a cinch, since it sits nice and
high and there's a lot of room to maneuver (again, in my son's
Impreza).

I bought a 2000lb-capacity engine crane from Pep Boys for less than
$100, after a rebate. You could probably resell it on Craigslist after
using it, for what you paid for it or close to it.

Dan D
'99 Impreza 2.5 RS (son's)
Central NJ USA

[johninKY]

It can be done. Did it last summer when I parted out an older Subaru with
the intention of scrapping the body. But you don't want to go this way.
Way more work. Also if this car has the automatic transmission, I would
suggest you also pull it and leave it attached to the engine while you
replace the gaskets. If you do seperate them, be aware the inner most
input shaft has to be fully seated. It often stops from being fully
seated by 1/4". Without going into anymore detail, if you don't catch
this problem you will destory the transmission.

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[suburboturbo]

That's the kicker. Doing it with the tranny attached makes for a much
less complicated reassembly. However, pulling the engine and
transmission together from above requires clearance and angles you
probably won't have. Of course, any removal with an automatic will be
easier than a stick, since disassembling and reassembling the shift
and clutch linkages can be as complicated as the powertrain and
require more precise alignment to function properly when you put it
back together. Likely that separating the engine from transmission
and pulling from above is the way to go. As you say, aligning the
input shaft is critical. Interested in hearing how this project
evolves.

[alhollywood]

responding to
http://www.motorsforum.com/subaru/Can-you-drop-vs-lift-an-engine-out-of-a-1998-Outback-26227-.htm
alhollywood wrote:

markm...@gmail.com wrote:

You do NOT need to pull the engine period to replace the head gasket. undo
the motor mount nuts and jack up the motor one side at a time. It's very
simple.
I'e done this 3 times in the last 6 months.

> Thanks,
> Mark

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